Director's News & Updates
News and Updates from the Director
![Jessica Churchwell named assistant principal, White Pine School.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1782935739/jcschoolsnet/jee5goznlpfwogyiogre/Churchwell_AP_WPS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1782935739/jcschoolsnet/jee5goznlpfwogyiogre/Churchwell_AP_WPS.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1782935739/jcschoolsnet/jee5goznlpfwogyiogre/Churchwell_AP_WPS.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1782935739/jcschoolsnet/jee5goznlpfwogyiogre/Churchwell_AP_WPS.png","width":1080}])
Jessica Churchwell Named Assistant Principal of White Pine School
Jefferson County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Jessica Churchwell as assistant principal of White Pine School for the 2026–2027 school year.
![Jefferson County School district logo]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779299938/jcschoolsnet/enaipnm2toqw0my3oje4/DirectorsUpdate_1080x1080.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779299938/jcschoolsnet/enaipnm2toqw0my3oje4/DirectorsUpdate_1080x1080.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779299938/jcschoolsnet/enaipnm2toqw0my3oje4/DirectorsUpdate_1080x1080.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779299938/jcschoolsnet/enaipnm2toqw0my3oje4/DirectorsUpdate_1080x1080.png","width":1080}])
Jefferson Elementary School to Temporarily Close June 8–July 24
Jefferson Elementary School will be closed from June 8 through July 24, 2026. During this time, the building will not be accessible to employees or the general public as scheduled facility work is completed.
![Chris Woods.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1779056821/jcschoolsnet/xfq1c7gtvpnzjzbqq7yp/Woods-principal.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1779056821/jcschoolsnet/xfq1c7gtvpnzjzbqq7yp/Woods-principal.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1779056821/jcschoolsnet/xfq1c7gtvpnzjzbqq7yp/Woods-principal.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1779056821/jcschoolsnet/xfq1c7gtvpnzjzbqq7yp/Woods-principal.png","width":1080}])
Chris Woods Named White Pine School Principal
Jefferson County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Chris Woods as principal of White Pine School for the 2026–2027 school year.
![Susan Martin.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778990135/jcschoolsnet/ffaqcoqbibxod0v0r1z9/Martin.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778990135/jcschoolsnet/ffaqcoqbibxod0v0r1z9/Martin.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778990135/jcschoolsnet/ffaqcoqbibxod0v0r1z9/Martin.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778990135/jcschoolsnet/ffaqcoqbibxod0v0r1z9/Martin.png","width":1080}])
Susan Martin Named Assistant Principal of Rush Strong School
Jefferson County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Susan Martin as assistant principal of Rush Strong School for the 2026–2027 school year.
![Dr. Byron Booker.]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778989308/jcschoolsnet/yrdenfj31okzltejxpnj/Booker-final.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778989308/jcschoolsnet/yrdenfj31okzltejxpnj/Booker-final.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778989308/jcschoolsnet/yrdenfj31okzltejxpnj/Booker-final.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778989308/jcschoolsnet/yrdenfj31okzltejxpnj/Booker-final.png","width":1080}])
Dr. Byron Booker Named Rush Strong School Principal
Jefferson County Schools is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Byron Booker as principal of Rush Strong School for the 2026–2027 school year.
![Headshot of Dr. Joey Byrd female with long brunette hair, new Maury Middle School principal]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778619434/jcschoolsnet/iam9wfoqb2yjawd9svdh/DrJoeyByrd_MMS_Principal.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778619434/jcschoolsnet/iam9wfoqb2yjawd9svdh/DrJoeyByrd_MMS_Principal.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778619434/jcschoolsnet/iam9wfoqb2yjawd9svdh/DrJoeyByrd_MMS_Principal.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778619434/jcschoolsnet/iam9wfoqb2yjawd9svdh/DrJoeyByrd_MMS_Principal.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1778619434/jcschoolsnet/iam9wfoqb2yjawd9svdh/DrJoeyByrd_MMS_Principal.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778619434/jcschoolsnet/iam9wfoqb2yjawd9svdh/DrJoeyByrd_MMS_Principal.png","width":1620}])
Dr. Joey Byrd Named Maury Middle School Principal
Jefferson County Schools is pleased to announce the hiring of Dr. Joey Byrd as principal of Maury Middle School for the 2026-2027 school year.
![Paige Bell JCS Communications Coordinator]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1778574683/jcschoolsnet/f1proqhn6falmad83qsb/communicationscoordinaorbell.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1778574683/jcschoolsnet/f1proqhn6falmad83qsb/communicationscoordinaorbell.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1778574683/jcschoolsnet/f1proqhn6falmad83qsb/communicationscoordinaorbell.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1778574683/jcschoolsnet/f1proqhn6falmad83qsb/communicationscoordinaorbell.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1778574683/jcschoolsnet/f1proqhn6falmad83qsb/communicationscoordinaorbell.png","width":1600}])
JCS Communications Coordinator
Introducing Paige Bell
![Emily Gwinn named Secondary Education Supervisor]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777756046/jcschoolsnet/bjmx8scfgp1zchn1fgj6/GwinnHiredasSSI_blueedit_300.jpg","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777756046/jcschoolsnet/bjmx8scfgp1zchn1fgj6/GwinnHiredasSSI_blueedit_300.jpg","width":300}])
JCS Announces Emily Gwinn as Supervisor of Secondary Education
Effective July 1, 2026
![Aerial view of large school and parking lot in morning sun, with caption of "Update from Dr. Arnold"]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1780517689/jcschoolsnet/lqhmivwqoee2xvoriggf/Thumbnail_aerialview_JCHS.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1780517689/jcschoolsnet/lqhmivwqoee2xvoriggf/Thumbnail_aerialview_JCHS.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1780517689/jcschoolsnet/lqhmivwqoee2xvoriggf/Thumbnail_aerialview_JCHS.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1780517689/jcschoolsnet/lqhmivwqoee2xvoriggf/Thumbnail_aerialview_JCHS.png","width":1080}])
Update from Dr. Arnold: Celebrating Progress and Looking Ahead in Jefferson County Schools
Director of Schools Dr. Arnold reflects on a year of growth, achievement, and continued focus on student success across the district. As featured in the Year-End Central Office Update
![Director's Update]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1691524686/jcschoolsnet/py44gvucgmaq5dk9d3xx/DirectorsUpdateKidsBackground.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1691524686/jcschoolsnet/py44gvucgmaq5dk9d3xx/DirectorsUpdateKidsBackground.png","width":300}])
Soft Lockdown at WPS
5/15/26: All students and staff are safe at this time, and the school is following established safety protocols. We are working closely with emergency personnel and will provide updates as more information becomes available.
![Update from Dr. Arnold, Jefferson County Schools]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1777670920/jcschoolsnet/xp1yrf1imeu1j1vnvmbm/UpdatefromArnold2025Image.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1777670920/jcschoolsnet/xp1yrf1imeu1j1vnvmbm/UpdatefromArnold2025Image.png","width":300}])
Update from Dr. Arnold
As published in the April 2026 JCS Central Office Update.
Maury Middle School Investigation
Soft Lock Down Lifted. All Clear.
Power Outage at RSS 4/12/24
Dismissing Car Riders Early. Buses will run on regular schedule.
![JCS Board of School Commissioners Celebrations]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1636387312/jcschoolsnet/xs2umcr3r67kyaunjpee/BoardCelebrations.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1636387312/jcschoolsnet/xs2umcr3r67kyaunjpee/BoardCelebrations.png","width":300}])
School Board Celebrations: March 2024
JCS Board of School Commissioner Recognitions.
Power Outage 11/29/23: Schools Closed
Phones and internet will be effected across the district.
![Update Picture]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1597101955/jcschoolsnet/gyvfq6ap2gcjuw3dlq8q/Update.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1597101955/jcschoolsnet/gyvfq6ap2gcjuw3dlq8q/Update.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1597101955/jcschoolsnet/gyvfq6ap2gcjuw3dlq8q/Update.png","width":640}])
Incident at Rush Strong School
February 23, 2023
![burst pipe with water]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1675266792/jcschoolsnet/dx2opaloi0rhkeyjirdw/burstpipe.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1675266792/jcschoolsnet/dx2opaloi0rhkeyjirdw/burstpipe.png","width":300}])
RSS Early 11:45 Dismissal 2/1/23
Due to water main break.
![Article Highlight Image]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1674767049/jcschoolsnet/h2gr01itpvt8gzxu8vaz/20230112TornadoWarning.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1674767049/jcschoolsnet/h2gr01itpvt8gzxu8vaz/20230112TornadoWarning.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1674767049/jcschoolsnet/h2gr01itpvt8gzxu8vaz/20230112TornadoWarning.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto/v1674767049/jcschoolsnet/h2gr01itpvt8gzxu8vaz/20230112TornadoWarning.png","width":940}])
Tornado Warning: January 12, 2023
A message from Dr. Arnold, Director of Schools.
School Board Celebrations: January 2023
JCS Board of School Commissioner Recognitions.
Incident at Jefferson Middle School
December 12, 2022
School Board Celebrations: December 2022
JCS Board of School Commissioner Recognitions.
Incident at White Pine School
November 10, 2022
School Board Celebrations: October 2022
JCS Board of School Commissioner Recognitions.